The Efficacy of Assistive Technology on Reading Comprehension for Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities

• In Event: Reading Development and Instruction for Struggling Readers

Abstract

Despite the large increase of students with learning disabilities (LD) entering postsecondary institutions and the legislative emphasis on providing students with disabilities equal access to education, we have yet to develop a comprehensive planning of accommodations for postsecondary students with LD in regard to assistive technology (AT). The purpose of this study was to provide empirical insight related to using AT to support reading comprehension in postsecondary students with LD. A multiple baseline across participants design was employed to examine the effects of AT, specifically the ClassMate Reader, on reading comprehension. The data were analyzed to discern participant performance with and without the device, social fidelity, and acceptability.

Authors

• Kimberly Kris Floyd, West Virginia University

• Sharon A. Judge, Old Dominion University